Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I spent a lot of money in 2014 on surgery and treatments.
From what I have read, It would be worth the risk to take the deduction for FFS as it is part of treatment for my GID.
I am going to get a letter from the Dr. and from my Therapist for the file should an audit come up.
Has anyone else looked at this.. I do not think the IRS would fight it...
Keri  AKA Dodie

My accountant has told me that electroysis counts as a medical expense. The applicable clause in the tax law is that procedures that correct a birth defect count as medical, and the government has had a pretty expansive interpretation when it comes to trans people (though laser doesn't count, since it's not permanent).

Don't know if FFS falls into this category, but it's worth a call to the IRS.

IMO it should be deductible, but it's likely that if it's questioned they would consider it "cosmetic"

Our facial structure and those of natal females (some of whom have distinctly masculine features) would probably give the IRS all the ammunition that they would need to deny rhinoplasties, chin work, bleroplasties, cheek implants, etc.

In the case of facial hair ( beards), our effective transition is quite dependent on it being removed.  In the case of natal females whose facial hair starts to increase with age, I think that they would deny electrolysis citing "normal" effects of hormonal changes due to aging and consider it cosmetic as well. 

I have taken and will continue to take deductions for electrolysis.

I think this is your answer: http://www.irs.gov/Credits-&-Deductions/Individuals/Medical-and-Dental-Expenses-Glance which leads to this: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc502.html

Hugs, Devlyn

I would definitely call and find out because you could certainly make an argument that it's medically necessary as part of your transition. Hugs
Mariah

Hi!!

Yes, it is deductible. You need the letters you got, copies of all bills and the relevant section on the necessity of FFS from the WAPTH standards.  I can send that to you if you get audited or if you just want to have it.

My oldest sister is an accountant and actually teaches auditing to the IRS during the off season.

Hugs,

Jen

Deduct it.  Same with every medical expense that you pay out of pocket for your transition.

Worst case scenario, the IRS kicks it back.  It's a legit medical expense for someone transitioning.

Won't put a dent in your taxes unless it exceeds 10% of your AGI, and even then you only get to deduct the amount over that. Just FYI.

But since you had FFS you might be over that threshold as it is expensive.

Can you deduct laser hair removal for facial hair? I'm in the process of it now and even with my discount it's still quite expensive.

The IRS only allows any trans* related surgeries because they were sued by a woman who tried to deduct her SRS and FFS. They tried to call SRS and FFS "cosmetic". I don't remember if she got to deduct the FFS or not, but I do remember that the court ruled SRS was a legitimate deduction and NOT cosmetic.

It's officially tax season! I spent plenty on FFS last year. Has anyone had success deducting surgeries in the recent past and how difficult was it? Any advice would be great!

2014 was the 1st year I made deductions.  Haven't experienced any kick back from our friends at the IRS.  This yrs. return (2015) will have some as well for FFS and electrolysis. These expenses will definitely be on my return, as well as all of my expenses in prep for GCS.  2016 will be the bomb as it's the year of my GCS.  Save your receipts!
Hugz!

Quote from: JLT1 on August 29, 2015, 10:04:50 PM
Hi!!

Yes, it is deductible. You need the letters you got, copies of all bills and the relevant section on the necessity of FFS from the WAPTH standards.  I can send that to you if you get audited or if you just want to have it.

My oldest sister is an accountant and actually teaches auditing to the IRS during the off season.

Hugs,

Jen

I realize this is an older thread. However, do you have to have a letter from a therapist? I currently do not go to a therapist & never have. Know there are places online that seem to kick out letters for $200 or some such. But am thinking about trying to squeeze ffs in on this years as I file itemized for a business. Sole proprietor. Know they are talking about changing rules & deductions soon, so better now than risk it later.

Also, does the surgeon or surgery have to take place in the United States? Am obviously from the US, but am looking at a surgeon who is located elsewhere. Did not know if that would have any bearing on whether it was deductible or not.

Any input much appreciated.

Hi,

A court ordered name and gender change would do it as well.  That's about the only thing else that i can think of working.  Also, a letter from primary or endo and one from he surgeon will be needed regardless.

IRS doesn't care where.  Talk to accountant about travel expenses.  If you can show it's cheaper O.U.S, even with travel, it should work.

Hugs,

Jen